Medical Assistance in Dying: A Review of Canadian Regulatory Documents

After years of heated debate about the issue, medical assistance in dying (MAiD) was legalized in Canada in 2016. Canada became the first jurisdiction where MAiD may be delivered by nurse practitioners as well as physicians. Experience has revealed significant public demand for the service, and Canadians expect nurses to advocate for safe, high-quality, ethical practice in this new area of care. Pesut et al. offer a superb analysis of the related Canadian nursing regulatory documents and the challenges in creating a harmonized approach that arise in a federation where the Criminal Code is a federal entity and the regulation of health care providers and delivery of care fall under provincial and territorial legislation. Organizations like the Canadian Nurses Association contribute to the development of good legislation by working with partners to present evidence to help legislators consider impacts on public health, health care, and providers. Nursing regulators across Canada responded quickly to the unfolding policy landscape as the federal legislation evolved and will face that task again: In February 2020, the federal government tabled legislation to relax conditions related to MAiD requests that will force regulators and professional associations back to public advocacy and legislative tables. The success of the cautious approach exercised by nursing bodies throughout this journey should continue to reassure Canadians that their high trust in the profession is well placed.